According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word "cap" serves as both a noun and a transitive verb, encompassing several distinct meanings related to coverings, limits, and completions. The core idea often revolves around an uppermost point or an imposed boundary.
'Cap' as a Noun
When used as a noun, "cap" typically refers to:
- Headwear: A soft covering for the head, often without a brim or with a peak at the front.
- Examples:
- He always wears a baseball cap when he goes for a run.
- The traditional graduation cap is square and flat.
- Examples:
- A Cover or Lid: A protective top or stopper for the end or opening of an object.
- Examples:
- Remember to replace the cap on the pen to prevent it from drying out.
- The child struggled to twist off the bottle cap.
- Examples:
- A Maximum Limit: An upper limit set on an amount, such as money that can be spent, charged, or a specific level.
- Examples:
- The government introduced a cap on energy prices to help consumers.
- There's a spending cap of $500 per month for entertainment.
- Examples:
'Cap' as a Transitive Verb ([T])
As a transitive verb, "cap" primarily means to put a limit on something, but it also carries meanings related to covering or completing.
- To Put a Limit On (LIMIT): This is a crucial definition, meaning to put a limit on expenses or amounts charged, or to set a maximum level for something. This often applies in financial or regulatory contexts.
- Practical Insights:
- Organizations might cap the number of participants in a training course.
- Governments often cap interest rates to protect borrowers.
- Example: Our mortgage is capped for five years, providing stability in monthly payments. The university decided to cap student tuition fees to make education more affordable.
- Practical Insights:
- To Cover the Top of Something: To place something over the top of another object, or to form a top covering.
- Examples:
- Snow capped the mountain peaks, creating a stunning winter landscape.
- A delicate layer of cream capped the dessert.
- Examples:
- To Complete or Finish: To conclude something, often with a final significant event or action, or to bring something to a successful end.
- Examples:
- He capped his illustrious career with an Olympic gold medal.
- The spectacular fireworks display capped off the evening's festivities.
- Examples:
Understanding the various meanings of "cap" from the Cambridge Dictionary helps in accurately interpreting its use in different contexts, from everyday conversations to financial reports.
